What other travelers are saying about Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
This is a popular tourist spot in Kyoto that you "must visit". I came early in the morning to avoid the crowds during the day, and I'm glad I did. It was nice to be able to look around at my own pace. The temple decorated with gold is unique, but it didn't feel particularly special or mysterious. It felt more like a typical tourist attraction that many people visit. It's worth visiting once, but I'm not sure if it's worth visiting twice. However, I recommend walking around the temple grounds as if you were taking a walk in the surrounding area. The scenery is beautiful and the garden is well maintained. I recommend enjoying the surrounding scenery rather than the temple itself.
This is a simply stunning temple with the temple on the lake, being by far, the centrepiece in the vast grounds. Although the temple is a little bit away from the main tourist areas, because of its beauty, it is still very busy.
There are quite a few vending machines at the entrance and the exit. There is also a kiosk selling gifts and souvenirs.
Very reasonable 500 Yen admission charge.
This is a beautiful temple with wonderful grounds. It is another UNESCO site in Kyoto, and it's a must-see attraction. The grounds are very well maintained, and walking around the grounds gives you several excellent camera angles of the Golden building. It gets super crowded, so try to get there early in the morning (plus the light is better for photos.
This building is likely one of the most popular/well known buildings in all of Japan. I think it is worth seeing, but it will be very crowded. The temple itself is one of the most stunning and unique ones I've seen, but you can only look at it from the outside, as people are not allowed into the golden temple itself.
The photogenic pond surrounding the temple and the beautiful building will make anyone's photos seem like they were taking by a professional.
There is also a written goshuin offered here for any collectors.
It's an isolated zen temple in the middle of a pond but the pavilion itself is inaccessible. It makes for some nice shots but that's about it. I found the autumn foliage much more interesting. The place gets pretty crowded with tourist in the afternoon so manage your time wisely. If you're limited on time, I'd say give it a skip and spent your time elsewhere.